“It’s torture being a perfectionist – it’s actually like a condition!”

~ Oliver Kriel

Wondering how to publish your first children’s book?

While this may be a dream for many artists, actually getting your ideas out of your head, onto paper, and into production can be a challenge.

But that’s exactly what illustrator and graphic designer, Oliver Kriel, did. All in just three months.

So, if you’ve got a passion project that you’ve just never found time to work on, check out this week’s inspiring podcast interview. Because it might just give you the motivation and confidence you need to make that leap of faith and get it done!

How to Publish Your First Children’s Book – Oliver Kriel’s Story

As a graphic designer working in Cape Town, South Africa, Oliver Kriel had always dreamed of publishing a children’s book. However, until recently, having that dream was as far as it went.

And, despite having never published a book before or having any training in art or illustration, this was something he knew he simply had to do.

So, from that day on, he started working on his passion project, enlisting the help of his wife, a primary school teacher, to help him bring his idea to life.

Along the way, there were all kinds of hurdles and potential roadblocks to face. What should the characters in his book look like? Which style of illustration should he use to achieve the look he wanted for his book?

And…how was he going to fit all this in around working full-time and having two young children to look after?

Yet, despite all these obstacles, Oliver’s book got published in just three months.

How did he do it? Just listen to this week’s podcast to find out.

You’ll learn:

How to develop the concept of your story

How to find the right style for your illustrations

How to turn procrastination into action

Why perfectionism could be holding you back

Oliver Kriel with his family. Publishing his first children’s book was a real team effort.

We hope Oliver’s story gives you some great insights on how to publish your first children’s book or get any of your other personal projects off the ground and into action.

Have you got any good tips for starting and finishing a project? We’d love to hear your suggestions in the comments below 🙂

Hi! I'm here to help artists get clear on their next steps. I spent 10 years working as a video game and special effects artist, and now work full time to share my knowledge and connect artists with the advice they need.